Christmas Village of Hope 2012- Big yuletide greetings from small wonders

 

Here's one good treat for those who savvy miniature collections, art collectors  or just want to while their time away with family and friends after a quick break from all the shopping at SM City Cebu. 

Currently on display at their Ground Floor, Northwing Atrium is the Christmas Village of Hope 2012 where hundreds of miniature and scaled establishments, houses, cars and trains are on display.

This endeavor aims to support children with cancer thru sponsorship of each piece showcased. Private individuals and companies are encouraged to donate and in return, have their names labeled on each one all throughout the holidays. 

I rummaged through the display last Monday and had a grand time checking them out. Happy Holidays! 

Check out the Youtube slideshow below, featuring all the photos from this exhibit.

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A Visit to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, Lapu- Lapu City

 

November 18, 2012 - In celebration of her birthday and to pay homage to the upcoming festivities of the Blessed Virgen dela Regla, me and Chilly figured it best to visit the shrine at twilight so we could avoid the mass traffic of people who will be going to the shrine by way of ferry from Cebu port. 

Going to Lapu- Lapu City by land at this time (especially nearing their fiesta) is certainly not recommended as one will only be met by bumper traffic jam at the bridge and of course a load-full of headache.

On our way, the weather was cooperative and the sea was smooth. We got to the Island in roughly 30 minutes and proceeded right to the church to attend mass and pay our respects to the Blessed Virgin.

After one waaay long line and push- throughs with the faithful crowd, we finally got our chance to witness the mother of our faith in glory and it sure was a very rewarding experience to have witnessed another testament that makes up the Filipino spirit.

Below is a Youtube slideshow of our pics taken from the trip. Enjoy!

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Make it Kalanggaman Island- One total getaway to outdoor and beach fun for everyone!

 

 

November 3, 2012- After one boring week spent on the thanksgiving holidays, me and Chilly decided to spend the remainder for a great time at the beach and live outdoors. And we were not disappointed for our good friend Rans Cabigas invited us to tag along with friends and his crew of outdoor enthusiasts from Cebu and head out to Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte’s renowned island attraction of which I heard from friends and some reads on the net that the place rivals that of Boracay- minus the great population of beachcombers.

I figured this sure is one good trip and curiosity in tow, I packed in the essentials such as the tent, canned goods, water containers, swimming gear and of course lamps as we were briefed that the place don’t have the comforts of handy fresh water. The place also has no electricity so all the bulky gadgets will just have to be left behind.

We rode the morning CBL bus trip which lasted a butt- aching four hours to the Port of Maya, Daanbantayan and boarded the awaiting motor Bangka or “Kumpit” which took us to island.

The ride lasted around two hours with some minor complications as we were met by bad weather just as were crossing the channel. In the middle of the tempest or “Unos” and heavy rain, we lost sight of the island and the boatmen had no choice but to stop the boat until visibility is back and thank heavens the sea calmed down after a few minutes and we continued on our way and boy we were stuck in awe to the sight that greeted us as we’re docking.

 

 

 We proceeded with searching for the most suitable places to settle in our gears and tents then hungrily proceeded to a late lunch after setup.

All the day’s dizziness vanished after we’ve had our tummies filled and we went frolicking to explore the Island’s sceneries and of course while the time away with it’s pristine waters and ivory white beaches.

We also found an interesting discovery in the island and that is the double- crowned coconut tree. 

The rest of the story is told in these amazing photos set in Youtube (below) that we took in our sojourn. Recomendación? Definitely I give Kalanggaman Island an All thumbs up! This

200 meter patch of sandbar in the middle of nowhere is a must place to visit for every beach junkie whose looking for one good time to while away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. 

                

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Random Musings- A fill of the best wines and alcoholics at Shopwise Cebu

Just for the sake of the curios', after a feast of grilled pork, chicharon bulaklak (deep fried pork intestines), linguas (that's pork tongue for the exotic savvy) and the ever popular Siomai at Tisa, Labangon, Me and Chill figured to cap our Friday evening with a sip of alcos. Having heard from friends that Shopwise opened its newest branch in the city at N. Bacalso Ave., Basak San Nicolas, we decided to check the place out.

We surely got a treat as the place is in full stock with all items one can think of buying. What got my nod btw is their winery and beverage section that is full of the best alcos and party poppers (both local and international) and all are sold at reasonable prices! 

Figured for the wine enthusiast, this place is a must try as some rare items from abroad are in stock.

To make the story short, after scanning around we abruptly settled for some rhum and a liter of ice tea as chaser (to diffuse all the fat we've eaten i hope) and went off to Fuente circle to enjoy the time. Cheers! 

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Q Park– Northern Cebu's adventure and leisure getaway for the whole family

Calmly nestled atop the hills of the town of Compostela, sits Q Park- a 200 hectare family and adventure park that’s gaining recognition among adventure seekers, family trippers, curios’, and pilgrims alike. Situated some 35 kilometers north of the metropolitan, Q Park is fully owned by the Quisumbing family and the Norkis Group of Companies and are offering the place’s amenities for the public to enjoy free of charge!

To get to the Park, one must simply enter via the Brgy. Buluang route (the border barangay of Compostela with adjacent Danao City) or by traversing the Brgy. Tubigan- Bagalnga route via Guimbal at Compostela, Poblacion. You’ll never get lost as roadsigns are posted all over the place to guide you on your way.Whatever you’re looking for, be it be family recreation, camping, adventure trekking, or just simply want a place to commune and meditate; a visit at Q Park is a must.

The park’s attractions include:

The Stations of the Cross.

A favorite among pilgrims and devotees especially in the Lenten season, the park boasts of artistic life- size traditional crucifixion scenes each rooted on a steep and scenic landscape.
 
Marian Hill. 

A monument of devotion that’s 41 ft high, the statue of the Blessed Virgin – “Mary, Mother of Love, Peace and Joy” stands like a proud sentinel of religion, seated atop one of the park’s hills and can be accessed through a 300+ step stair the chapel below, all the way up to shrine. If one’s not up for the long climb, then an access road to the overlook is an option.


Nativity Cave and the Saints. 

Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a natural cave was made to replicate the one in Bethlehem and comes complete with other characters of the holy scene artistically sculpted by local artisans. A visit to another cave nearby, focuses one to the known figures of Filipino devotion such as the Santo Niño de Cebu, Our Lady of Guadalupe, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and La Pieta- the Sorrowful Madonna with the lifeless Christ on her lap.
 
Retreat House and Cottages. 

The management of Q Park sees to it to offer comfort to visitors. The Park has a sizeable retreat house with air conditioned rooms and three cottages, all complete with kitchenette, toilet, bath and veranda. Reservations and queries maybe made at the Norkis main office at Mandaue City, Cebu.


Heroes Hill- A Tribute to Filipino Heritage

With the goals of preserving national heritage for the coming generations to view, Q Park also features the Heroes Hill- which houses the exhibit of the legacies of unsung Filipino heroes, brave warriors and leaders as well as a tribute for OFWs.
This part of the park is open for students, teachers or just about anyone who wants to get an enriching experience of our heritage.



Boys and Girls Camps. 

Q Park also features a campsite for young people to experience camaraderie and adventure of the outdoors or enjoy sitting together amidst the campfire at night.

The Labyrinth. 

One of the park’s main attractions is this green labyrinth that’s made of 1, 500 sq. meters of lush greens, that’s a sure challenge for children and the child at hearts to enjoy.

Encourage everyone to participate in the global fight for the protection and preservation of the environment. 

Q Park is committed to the preservation and protection of the environment and as a token of this social responsibility, encourages visitors in its campsites and Heroes Hill to plant tree seedlings and take care of flora and fauna.

Currently, innovations are still in the works to add more attractions to the park and it’s facilities.

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Compostela, Cebu – A budding locale in overview

No we’re not talking about a province in Spain with the same name, but of a prosperous northern agricultural town in Cebu Province, Philippines. Little is known about this Quesio (Cottage cheese delicacy made from Carabao or Goat’s milk that the town is known for) laden locale, for transients and commuters may have heard of it or may have passed it in their journey or two. Compostela is one of the many gateway towns for premier tourist spots and industries of the north.

Situated 26 Kilometers away (1 hour ride) from the Metropolitan and sits adjacent to the City of Danao, Compostela holds a convenience for trade and commerce in terms of ports and geographic proximity. The town is classified as a 4th class municipality under the 5th District, that holds a population of 39, 167 (approx.) and has a land area of 68.9 km2. It is composed of 17 barangays namely: Bagalnga, Basak, Buluang, Cabadiangan, Cambayog, Canamucan, Cogon, Dapdap, Estaca, Lupa, Magay, Mulao, Panangban, Poblacion, Tag-ubi, Tamiao, and Tubigan.

Currently, Compostela along with the rest of the mid-northern towns of Cebu, plays host to sprouting subdivisions and a growing number of housing projects which is an indicator of progress. Due to its near proximity to Urban Cebu and the prominent cities of the North (Danao and Bogo) a fraction of the town's populace are foreign, local tourists and young professionals whose careers, businesses and families circulate to these cities.

Developments are also in the works as well to refine the town's tourist destinations to lure more visitors who want to enjoy the serene and pristine atmosphere that the town has to offer.

Sr. Santiago and the town’s history

Established in the year 1844 by a Spanish “Conquistador” by the name of Captain Manuel Aniceto del Rosario, Compostela used to be one of the barrio components to the then Municipality of Danao.

The barrio received its official name through the endorsement of Father Jose Alonzo, a Spanish friar serving under the crown and reportedly a resident of Compostela, Spain. He was then designated as the first parish priest and adopted Señor Santiago de Apostol as the parish patron saint.

Sr. Santiago de Apostol’s parish chapel laid witness to the barrio’s growth for as the years traversed and its population grew, the chapel was later decided by Spanish church leaders to be reconstructed into a church (Saint James Parish) in honor of Señor Santiago Apostol and to serve as the major place of worship for the Catholic faithful. It is standing to this day, being one of Compostela’s proud historical monuments.

Political establishment and progress

The prosperous barrio existed with constant growth, for as the years progressed, so did its population. At the turn of the tide during the Spanish-American war, Spain lost control of the Philippines to the Americans; the result of which after the Treaty of Paris, a requirement to modify and re-classify all the local government units in the Philippines according to population and income was implemented.


In 1903, Compostela was officially annexed to the Municipality of Liloan. After more than a decade of secession, a special committee headed by Hilario Canen along with the then Cebu Provincial Governor Manuel Roa, presented their proposal to Hon. Sergio Osmeña Sr. which was then the Philippine Assembly Speaker, to sponsor the bill changing the status of Compostela to a municipality.

On January 17, 1919 Compostela was officially recognized as a municipality.
 
Today, the town is continually growing in terms of population with high literacy ratio, infrastructure and economy. Viable sources of income for the townsfolk include livestock and agriculture products, canning, furniture exports, handicrafts, and semi-industrial establishments which have now started to bud throughout the town.


Fresh from the May 10 National Polls, the town's newly elected officials are now spearheaded by first-term Mayor Hon. Joel Quiño and Vice- Mayor Hon. Mary Antonette Dangoy.

*Special thanks to Compostela de Cebu for the photos used in this post. 




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Modern living and convenience in Metropolitan Cebu- The Persimmon Towers

A new addition to the metropolitan's urban style housing is The Persimmon- Aboitizland's baby envisioned as the premiere urban village where convenience and lifestyle all converge in one location. Imagine living just about a few meters from where you work along with the added pleasures for relaxation, recreation and entertainment to ease out your day.

The Persimmon Towers (Named after the famous Mabolo fruit of which the district also derives its name) consists of 4 x 15 story condos- North, South, East, and West is where residential and commercial establishments culminate along the confines of the condominium community, whether you feel like shopping, dining, in the buzz for entertainment, or in need of some cash in ATMs- you don't need to look no further than your window!


With Ammenities, the complex has Adults and kiddie Pool, Clubhouse, Function rooms, Multi-purpose hall, Gym, Games Room, Social Hall, All green street scapes, Children’s playground, Covered multi-purpose Court for basketball and badminton, Themed commercial neighborhood, Food (restaurants, cafes, etc), Entertainment (resto,bars,family ktv), Services (laundry), repair, Health and Beauty (spa,salons.), Grocery and Activity area- all in line to what you or your family want.

Supposing you're going someplace else, the Persimmon's strategic location at M.J. Cuenco, Mabolo, Cebu City gets you to where you want to go to in no time as it is near the city's major shopping centers, business districts, BPO centers, churches, universities, hospitals, hangouts plus, it is highly accessible from main roads and highways, airports and major shipping ports.

Set to be finished within the time frame of September this year up to 2013 (for individual towers), The Persimmon comes with competitively priced units that's sure to appease your needs. All in all, the combined concept and master plan of The Persimmon gives it the cutting edge among condo projects in the whole of mainland Cebu.

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